July 28, 2008

Baskin-Robbins Opens Cincinnati for Franchise Sales

by ssavage

CANTON, Mass., July 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Baskin-Robbins, America's favorite neighborhood ice cream shop, is rapidly expanding its Ohio footprint with today's announcement that Cincinnati is now open for franchise sales. More than 30 new stores are projected over the next several years throughout Cincinnati and the surrounding counties of Hamilton, Boone, Kenton and Campbell, among others.

Currently, Baskin-Robbins operates 34 stores across Ohio. The company plans to open 200 locations statewide in small and large markets over the next several years, and recently signed a development agreement in Kettering for an additional store. Baskin-Robbins will open more than 400 stores globally in 2008.

Baskin-Robbins' Cincinnati launch is part of an aggressive growth strategy, which includes expanding in existing markets while entering new cities throughout the country. The company is actively seeking new franchisees willing to own and operate a minimum of three stores in Cincinnati and the surrounding counties.

"As the Baskin-Robbins brand continues to develop in Ohio, we're now looking for franchisees in Cincinnati with strong financial backgrounds to manage multiple stores and a passion for their local communities," said James Franks, national director of franchising, Baskin-Robbins. "We are excited about new franchisees joining our team who are ready to work on their business and not just in it. Our small business, small network approach allows owners to develop a strong presence in their market and play a vibrant part in the daily lives of people who live and work in and around Cincinnati."

Baskin-Robbins offers franchisees a variety of store concepts including free standing stores, sites within shopping centers, kiosks and other retail environments. Furthering its commitment to its franchisees, Baskin-Robbins also offers a range of support systems including: complete training, site selection assistance, design and construction, marketing, and technology assistance.

To share information about franchising opportunities in Cincinnati, Baskin-Robbins is hosting a franchising seminar at the Marriott at River Center on August 5, 2008 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Included in the discussion will be the brand's new store design, new logo, marketing, training and site selection. To register for the event and learn more, visit the seminars and events link at http://www.baskinrobbins.com/FranchiseOpportunities/ .

Over six decades ago, Baskin-Robbins was founded by ice cream enthusiasts Burton "Burt" Baskin and Irvine "Irv" Robbins who shared a dream to create an innovative ice cream store that would be a neighborhood gathering place for families. Today, more than 300 million people visit Baskin-Robbins each year to sample the more than 1,000 flavors in its ice cream library, as well as enjoy its full array of frozen treats including ice cream cakes, frozen beverages and sundaes.

"Baskin-Robbins will satisfy a growing demand in Cincinnati for high-quality ice cream, specialty frozen desserts and beverages," said Franks. "Over the past 62 years, Baskin-Robbins has become the brand of choice for consumers, and has consistently delighted them with our irresistible flavors and treats. We look forward to being an important part of the Cincinnati community."

About Baskin-Robbins

Named the top ice cream and frozen dessert franchise in the United States by Entrepreneur magazine's 29th annual Franchise 500(R) ranking, Baskin-Robbins is the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty shops. Baskin-Robbins creates and markets innovative, premium ice cream, specialty frozen desserts and beverages, providing quality and value to consumers at more than 5,800 retail shops in more than 30 countries. Baskin-Robbins was founded by two ice cream enthusiasts whose passion led to the creation of more than 1,000 ice cream flavors and a wide variety of delicious treats. Headquartered in Canton, Mass., Baskin-Robbins is part of the Dunkin' Brands, Inc. family of companies. For further information, visit http://www.baskinrobbins.com/ .